Latest News

World Environment Day widely observed in the state under the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’

World Environment Day widely observed in the state

Source : Imphal Free Press.

IMPHAL | Jun 5 : As India is the host nation for the World Environment Day this year, Information and Public Relations minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh made a clarion call to preserve, protect the environment and stand against plastic. Biswajit was addressing media as part of the World Environment Day Observance today, organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations at its Keishampat Office Complex. The minister along with secretary (IPR), Athem Muivah and director, H. Balkrisna Singh also planted tree saplings inside the premises as part of the observance. Biswajit said “it is a proud moment not only for Manipur but for the entire country as India is host of this year’s World Environment Day under the theme Beat Plastic Pollution.” He said everyone has a responsibility towards protecting the environment and leave a clean and sustainable environment for the future generations.The minister also appealed the shopkeepers to minimise use of plastic bags and replace them with biodegradable carry bags. “It is time that each one of us realise the significance of the observance and make it more meaningful by our practical and active participation instead of just planting a sapling”, he said. As part of the observance, Biswajit also met the officers and staff of the department for a brief interaction, wherein, the officers and staff put forwarded their infrastructural needs for better and smooth functioning of the directorate. Meanwhile, World Environment Day was observed at Churachandpur district under the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ at the MMI Complex, Lamdan, organised by the Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association (MMTA) and sponsored by the directorate of Environment, government of Manipur. Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Forest and Environment minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar said that eco-tourism park will be developed at the MMI Complex, Lamdan with the fund from the state government and later with assistance from the Central fund. He further lauded the MMTA officials and students and said that their hard work have resulted in the beautification and development of the complex with green forest cover in the area. Stressing on the need for saving the wildlife as well as the environment, he said there is no need for planting saplings if there is no maintenance or nurturing of the plants. He cautioned those stakeholders who have not nurtured the trees or plants planted during the previous ‘Vanamohatsava’ that they will not be given saplings this year. He opined that the greenery is a mark of richness or prosperity of a country. He ended his speech by appealing for joint collaboration from different stalks of life in saving the environment. Speaking as the guest of honour, chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB), L. Radhakishore Singh said that the State government has completely ban the use of plastics below 50 microns and is working on bringing up an alternative of making carry bags from bamboo, paper and other natural products in collaboration with the different NGOs and other stake holders. He said the state is under threat as cheap plastics products including polythene carry bags are imported from the Indo-Myanmar border. The state government will come up with law which will attract fine and imprisonment if anybody violates the use of plastics below the 50 microns, he added. He also said the MPCB is conducting a survey collecting water samples from the different 70 locations of the state to check the water quality, adding that similar study is being done for air and solid waste. The state government has made arrangement for plastic waste products collection at all the valley districts at the revised rate of Rs. 9 to Rs. 13 per kilogram with four collection centres in each district. Addressing the gathering, director of directorate of Environment, Y. Nabachandra Singh said that according to the global data, one million plastic drinking water bottles are bought every one minute across the world, adding that five trillion plastic disposed bags are used and one third of the total waste generated is leaked into water body which disturb marine life. Plastic waste is affecting human health resulting in early puberty, heart problem even disturbing wildlife and natural environment, he added. He continued that 17 million barrel oil is used per year globally which is a major cause of pollution and around 13 million tonnes of plastic waste are leaked into the ocean. Speaking about the state, he said that out of 100 metric tonne of solid waste generated in the state, 5 percent constitutes plastic waste as compared to 10 percent in the national level. According to a recent survey, maximum pollution is caused by the micro-plastic which are also found in mineral water bottles, he added. He said Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) has a major role to play in the effective implementation of the Plastic Waste Management Rule which has to be covered in the urban and panchayat level in the State. He also spoke on the successful implementation of the Sikkim model and a need to adopt such successful model in the State. Ending his speech, he appealed to the people to adopt indigenous ways in a modern way and sought cooperation from the people in saving the environment. As resource person, dean of School of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Manipur University, Prof. Rajmohan Singh spoke on adverse effects of climate change, harmful usage of CFCs, and rise in the level of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere among others. Stressing on the immediate need for saving the Loktak Lake, he said that a mass awareness campaign is needed for saving Sangai and Shirui Lily which puts the state in the tourist map of the world. He also opined that government departments should implement practical alternatives for plastic bags by making carry bags made of cloth, paper or any natural products. President of MMTA, Bijoy Kakchingtabam announced that people bringing plastic mineral water bottles at the MMI Complex will have to deposit Rs. 100, the amount will be refunded if they carry the empty plastic bottles while returning from the complex. He further sought help from the Forest department for plantation drive at the MMI Complex area as it comes under the Loktak Catchment Area. As part of the programme prizes were distributed for the painting competition held during Imphal Evenings sponsored by the MAHUD department and saplings were planted. Officials of directorate of Environment, school students and MMTA officials attended the function. Later, minister Shyamkumar launched Cherry Blossom Avenue at Sendra organised by the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD). The function was followed by plantation drive. Speaking at the function as the chief guest, Shyamkumar said the state government is committed for the conservation of the environment and his departments are sincerely working towards achieving the goal. He said that more plantation drives will be carried out at other parts of the state. Director of IBSD and advisor to the department of Forest and Environment, government of Manipur, Dinabandhu Sahoo said that horticultural revolution especially in the hills will boost socio-economic development, if it is combined with the indigenous festivals with proper marketing to attract more tourists who are keen to explore in eco-tourism adding to the sustainable development of the state. MLA of Thanga assembly constituency, T. Robindro Singh along with students of the IBSD attended the function. In Kangpokpi, World Environment Day was observed by organising various environments related activities widely across the district. Kangpokpi Forest Division led by its DFO, Esther Laltankim Serto distributed biodegradable bags in connection with World Environment Day under the theme ‘Beat plastic pollution’ at Kanglatongbi, Motbung, Kangpokpi bazar, downtown IT Road and M. Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi. “Distribution of biodegradable bags is an attempt to create awareness and to convey a strong message to the public to say no to plastic”, said Esther. The day was also widely observed at Motbung community hall under the initiative of All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) with an aim to create awareness and sensitise the people to put collective concerted effort for the future by making Earth a safer, cleaner and beautiful place to live in. Superintendent of police, Mahesh Naraian Pandey and assistant professor of Manipur University, Dr. Thathang Vaiphei attended the programme as resource persons and deliberated on the themes ‘Beat plastic pollution’ and ‘Global warming-the apocalypse looming’ respectively. It may be mentioned that 27 educational institutions and two colleges had conducted cleanliness drive on June 2 and June 4 responding to the clarion call of the ATSUM, and the participants were awarded with certificate. Meanwhile, World Environment Day was observed at Saikul Sub Divisional Headquarters by staffs and doctors of PHC Saikul in collaboration with 38 Assam Rifles, Saikul post in the presence of MO in-charge of PHC Saikul, Dr. John Hangmi and post commander, 38 AR Saikul Post, Major Peter. Tree plantation drive was carried out in the premises of PHC Saikul. The day was also observed at Keithelmanbi Military Colony jointly organised by Kuki Baptist Convention Gambih No.5 and Tribal Representative for Economic Development (TREE) in the presence of SDO of Champhai Block, Chunglenmang Kipgen as chief guest, pastor Lalboi and former DI/DDO of Saitu-Gamphazol, Seilet Singsit and other dignitaries. A massive tree plantation was carried out under the theme ‘Re-greening destroyed lands’ at Gopibung Lamkhai, a place where a vast land was disastrously damaged during the infamous Keithelmanbi mudslide in 2004. In Ukhrul, hundreds of cherry trees were planted at Shirui village and Mini Secretarait Complex as part of the World Environment Day. The tree plantation was organised by IHAO in association with Shirui Youth Club, Affairs, CHIKO, Ukhrul United FC, Ukhrul FC and District Administration. At Shirui, cherry tree was planted on the roadside from highway to the base of Shirui Peak. A total of 350 saplings were planted by the volunteers. At Mini Secretariat Complex Ukhrul, the cherry tree plantation was started off by deputy commissioner of Ukhrul, Harmit Singh Pahuja, superintendent of police, Worngam Ningshen, additional deputy commissioner, Rita Leiyaphy Kasar, SDO/BDO of Chingai, Nimmi Khamrang and officers and staffs of DRDA Ukhrul. Around 100 saplings of cherry tree were planted inside the complex. In Jiribam, Pari Puri Athouba Ningshing Lup (PPANL) in association with directorate of Environment, government of Manipur organised World Environment Day 2018 observations at Ningshingkhun Bio-Diversity Park. The observation which was held under the theme of ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ witnessed the attendance of additional deputy commissioner of Jiribam, Peter Salam, chairman of PPANL, S. Kula Singh, SP of Jiribam, Moirangthem Mubi Singh and president of JIMPAL, H. Mema Devi as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively. As part of the observation, tree samplings were planted and eminent resource persons presented speeches on the topic of environment. Students of Legal Literacy Club, Jiribam Higher Secondary School (LLCJHSS) also organised World Environment Day 2018 observation at the auditorium of Jiribam Model High School. Vice chairperson, JMC, S. Wangoisana Devi, principal of Jiribam Model High School, Philip Kamei, senior advocate, K.B Roy, and RFO, H.Q Jiribam Forest department, L. Ibohal Meetei attended the event as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively. Meanwhile, World Environment Day observances were also held at Jiribam Barak Circle. The event was organised by Discover Manipur and sponsored by directorate of Environment, government of Manipur. In Tamenglong, World Environment Day was observed at Indoor stadium, jointly organised by Rainforest Club Tamenglong, 23rd Assam Rifles, Western Forest Division Tamenglong and Swatch Bharat Mission (Gramin). During the observance, many speakers stated “plastic cannot be totally banned in our daily life, however using plastic can be reduced to some extent and it is right time to change people’s mind-set to stop using plastic.” Massive tree plantation was held early in the morning today at Gadai Prayer Mountain and along Tamenglong bazaar and ended at Indoor stadium complex. Hundreds of tree saplings were planted today by volunteers of Rainforest club, Society for Enhancing Tamenglong, Evangelistic Union Tamenglong. Later in the afternoon, a formal function was also held at Indoor Stadium Tamenglong under the theme ‘Beat plastic pollution’. It was attended as chief guest by commandant of 23 Assam Rifles, Col. Chinmaya Verma, and ranger officer of Western Forest Division Tamenglong, Kharibam Hitler and Nehemiah Panmei were the guests of honour. Chairperson of Education Board ADC, Tamenglong, Ramningle Pame and Dr. Chambo Gonmei was the chief host and president of function respectively. Prizes for spot painting competition, debate competition and appreciation certificates were given out through the chief guest and guest of honours. The award of ‘best clean ward’ with a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 was bagged by Dimthanlong of Tamenglong Ward No. 3 and the prize was sponsored by Col. Chinmaya Verma. In Moreh, Socialist Students Union Manipur (SSUM) organised the observance of World Environment Day at the conference hall of Meitei Council Moreh (MCM), sponsored by directorate of Environment. The observance was attended by SP of Tengnoupal, S. Ibomcha as chief guest, while advisor of SSUM, Nongthombam Sanahal Singh was the functional president. The guests of honour were range forest officer, Moreh, N. Santosh Singh, president of HTC, Ginsei Lhungdim, president of MCM, M. Thoiba Meetei, president of Gorkha Samaj, Durga Sharma Acharya, additional secretary of Tamil Sangam, M. Mohon, president of MMCM, Md. Jalalludin, president of KNANL, Th. Ibemhal, general secretary of NKCLL, L. Tamem Devi and president of WATAM, T. Ibemma. As part of the observance, tree plantation was carried out at the campus of Eastern Shine School. In Churachandpur, Assam Rifles organised World Environment Day, where a total of 300 fruit bearing saplings were planted at their battalion headquarter located at Hq. Veng and at various other company locations in their area of responsibilities. A total of eight officers, 25 junior commissioned officers and 320 other ranks participated in the plantation drive. Moreover, the units of HQ IGAR (South) undertook various activities including tree plantation drives to mark World Environment Day in conjunction with locals including students of different localities in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Chandel and Tengnoupal districts, Manipur. Keithalmanbi Battalion joined hands with various Youth Clubs, Meira Paibis, Schools, Colleges and NGOs of Andro, Lilong, Singjamei, Canchipur and nearby areas. Approximately 650 saplings were planted across all company operating bases. Mantripukhri Battalion also organised tree plantation drives with Meira Paibis and elders of nearby villages in an around all company operating bases of the battalion. MLA of Lamlai assembly constituency, K. Biren Singh was also part of the tree plantation drive and asked the gathering to keep their surroundings clean. More than 550 saplings were planted by school children of various schools, members from the Youth Clubs and Zilla Parishad members. Phundrei Battalion also reached out to the remote areas in Thoubal district and organised tree plantation drives in an around all company operating bases of the battalion. Approximately 500 saplings were planted by villagers, school children of various schools, members from the Youth Clubs, Zilla Parishad members and troops of the Battalion Tulihal Battalion also conducted a number of events in Nambol, Patsoi, Mayang Imphal and adjoining areas. Events such as tree plantation drive, cleanliness drive, cycle rally and seminar were organised where villagers and school children of various schools enthusiastically participated. Sajik Tampak Battalion tree plantation drive was organised by the celebrating World Environment Day under the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. Prior to the plantation, Sajik Battalion conducted lectures for the locals and students emphasizing the need for a cleaner environment. A total of 300 saplings were planted which included fruit bearing trees. The event was organised at three villages of Aigejang, Khollen and Sajik Tampak and it reflects the assimilation of Kana Valley in the national mainstream. In Chandel, Chandel Battalion organised a sapling plantation drive at Children’s Park, in conjunction with District Forest department, Chandel Football Friends and other NGOs on the occasion of World Environment Day. The villagers participated with great enthusiasm and a total of 100 saplings were planted in the park. Moreh Battalion celebrated the auspicious day at village Thangbung Minou and village Chongjang, Tengnoupal district. The event saw active participation of the locals which included 58 villages from Thangbung Minou and 22 villagers from Chongjang. A total of 100 saplings were planted in both the villages. Singngat Battalion under the aegis of Headquarter 27 Sector of Red Shield Division also organised mass plantation drive on World Environment Day at various locations of Singngat sub-division under its area of responsibility. Officers and troops of the battalion in collaboration with school authorities and volunteers planted approximately 300 saplings of different varieties. The important day was also observed by Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), Imphal West at four different venues in Imphal West district which included Mutum Phibou Mahila Mandal, Mutum Phobou, Karong Youth Development Organisation, Karong, Nupi Angang Sindam Lup, Kodompokpi, and Kachi Khul Youth Library Club, Kach Khul. Under the theme of ‘Beat plastic pollution’, NYK youth clubs conveyed messages to avoid the use of plastic bags and to end plastic related pollutions amongst others. Paper bags sponsored by ‘Bag of Joy’ were distributed to the participants of the cleanliness drive programmes, it added. World Environment Day was also observed today at High Court of Manipur complex by planting a tree inside the campus by the judges, judiciary officer, bar council members and staff of the high court. The plantation of tree was headed by chief justice, Ramalingam Sudhakar, justice, N. Kotiswar, justice, Kh. Nobin, advocate general, N. Kumarjit and registrar general, A. Guneshor Sharma. Speaking to the media persons, the chief justice said Manipur is a state abundant with natural beauty as most part of the state is hilly area covered by forest. World Environment Day was also observed by members of Indo ASEAN Friendship Organisation, Manipur (IAFOM) along with the local volunteers of Wangoi. Around 300 trees were planted 70 volunteers at the campuses of Wangoi Lainingthou Sanamahi Sanglen, Ibudhou Pakhangba Thiyam Leisangkhong Yumnam Huidrom and Tin Murti Leishangkhong Thingel Maru. All Manipur Student’s Union (AMSU) Imphal East district committee under the aegis of directorate of Environment, Manipur also observed World Environment Day at Maharaja Bodhchandra College, palace compound, Imphal today. Under the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Manipur host the auspicious day on the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ and the main aim of the event is to make people aware, the hazardous impact of using plastic or polythene, said the organisers. Mayor of Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC), L. Lokeshwor Singh, attending the function as chief guest appealed all the people to continue the campaign on reducing the use of plastics not only today but throughout the year, month and always. The day was also observed today at the complex of Imphal College, Ghari at around 11 am, organised by Kangleipak Student Association Imphal West District Council in collaboration with directorate of Environment, government of Manipur. The function was organised in presence of deputy commissioner of Imphal West, N. Praveen as chief guest, president of Kangleipak Student Association, N. Chetan as president. The guests of honour were additional SP of Imphal West, Laishram Priydarshini and principal of Imphal College, Moirangthem Priyobarta.

Total Visitor: 1401808

Site designed, developed and hosted by
National Informatics Centre
Contents of this website is published and managed by
ENVIS Hub Manipur Status of Environment and Related Issues
Copyright (c) 2011 by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt. of India. All rights reserved.